Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com – 18/20
85% stems. They have 1.95 ha here (4.8 acres). Five blocks from Mont-Luisants across to Les Chabiots, average age 50 years. Barrel sample. Rich and ripe in its pure inviting fruit but here the stems show more although they also reflect the character of the vineyard, says Jeremy Seysses ” a little minty note. There’s a lightness of touch even with the intensity of a grand cru. Lifted by that stemmy freshness. Tannins are chalky and layered, refined but youthfully dry. Very long. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2040
Robert Parker – 94
Dujac’s 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is more reserved that the Clos Saint-Denis, unwinding in the glass with scents of red berries, plums, orange rind, cinnamon, peonies and sweet soil tones. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, serious and layered, with muscular structure, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. While this remains a comparatively accessible, finesse-driven Clos de la Roche, at least a decade’s patience will be required to see this begin to realize its potential.
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2065
Vinous – 92
The 2017 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a precise, beguiling bouquet of raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, cold stone and sea spray scents, plus a touch of dried blood. The medium-bodied palate displays slightly chewy tannin on the entry and good depth. This is quite masculine in style, leading to a potent, saline finish, yet I would aver it does not quite have the depth or penetration of the previous two vintages. That said, it is still a finely crafted Clos de la Roche, though I find the Clos Saint-Denis romping ahead (at least in barrel).
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040
Burghound – 92
This is also markedly floral in character with additional breadth from the impressively pure combination of red cherry, currant, leather and a whiff of the sauvage along with a touch of oak. The beautifully energetic and detailed flavors are much finer than usual thanks mostly to the ultra-fine grain of the tannins supporting the austere, serious and compact finish. This is a Dujac CdlR of refinement rather than one of imposing size, indeed it’s almost a bit light, but even so, it is clearly constructed for the medium to longer.
Jasper Morris – 96
Clear mid crimson colour. The bouquet shows a significant use of stems with crushed strawberry notes. The perfume grows on me. Wild strawberries in abundance. Delicious, ripe, elegant and long.